Sorry it’s been such a long time. Time has slipped away pretty fast over the past few months, with some BIG changes. I got married, quit my job, and competed at the GPC Nationals. So where to start?

Having such big things happen all within a few weeks of each other was a big decision, one I didn’t take lightly. But, in the end – why not? New beginnings and new goals? Fresh start? All things that can make change a VERY exciting time.

Leaving my job was a hard one – I loved my job. I loved the people I met, I loved the people I work with, and I loved the challenges it brought. But unfortunately the 5hr per day commute was not agreeing with me – my weight had ballooned, I was tired, and wanted some balance back in my life. My soon to be husband and I talked about it, and decided we wanted to stay where we were living, so leaving my job was the only thing to do. It was sad, and there were tears, but I’m looking forward to putting the same love into a new career.

Marriage. The most exciting one. Such an incredible day, and one that I wish I could re-live over and over. It was such a special time having all of my family and friends all together in one room. We laughed, we cried (happy tears of course), we danced, and we drunk. All the best things life can bring. Best day of my life.

First danceMarried!

Through all of this – I was counting down the days to Nationals. My biggest comp to date. It was 3 weeks after my wedding, but I knew I would regret it big time if I didn’t go. So, after a very short discussion with my soon to be (and incredibly supportive) husband, we arranged our honeymoon to ensure we were at Nationals. Wow I was a lucky girl! My coach, my Dad (one of my biggest fans) and husband all provided me all the support I needed to get through the crazy month that was about to take place.

My gorgeous bridesmaids, page boys and very happy Dad!

Once I committed myself to this – everything else came easy. Training was my way to keep my brain sane, so during the wedding planning process it was very much needed. All I needed to do was ensure I got each lift in each week – Squat, bench and deadlift. And I needed to give 150% at each session. Once I wasn’t working my sleep time increased, and man I saw a difference.

My husband and I left for our honeymoon a week after the wedding, and had a very blissful 10 day roadtrip up to the Gold Coast. We had no plan, and rarely knew where we were sleeping each night – part of the adventure we were on.

I had one session on the road, and man it was a big one. But the rest was doing me well, as I absolutely nailed it. Confidence was on point, and my body was feeling VERY relaxed. I had a minor freakout when I *thought* I was failing my bench. I was nowhere my max, but it really wasn’t happening. Turns out my holiday brain had me load at extra 10kgs onto what I was meant to be doing! Crisis over!

The people – It was so nice to meet the girls who I had friended on FB from all over Australia, who all had a love for the same sport. If there is one thing I learned, this is in no way an individual sport. Yes – you are competing against each other, but you wouldn’t know by the amount of love and support everyone gives each other. We warmed up together, high fived each other, celebrated the PBs and hugged out the missed weights. Incredible.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day of lifting. My goal going in was 160kg+ Squat, 80kg Bench and 180kg+ Deadlift. I hit every single one.

Total – 427.5kgs (22.5kg increase since last comp) and 5th place at the comp.

That squat face!182.5kg deadlift!

Happy? Stoked? They don’t even explain the complete elation I was feeling after.

Now for the cool part (if that’s not cool enough) – I am ranked 7th in Australia in the ALL TIME rankings for Global Powerlifting Committee. 7th best lifter. Ever. Now for someone that’s never been ranked anywhere for anything – this is COOL. I’m happy, and I’m proud. And I think I’m allowed to be.

So what’s next for The Girl Who Lifts? ProRaw 7 in November. The BIG BIG one. This is invitation only, the best of the best – and after a lot of hard work and determination – I’m one of them.

6 comments on “Wedding and Nationals!”

Legend!!!! Was fun watching you at Nationals, had my whole office cheering for you as we watched the live feed on YouTube. Well done on your ranking and looking forward to seeing what you do at ProRaw7

Superb blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on evnehtyirg. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any tips? Bless you!

haha, I think Sean and I were screaming as loud as each other. I watched the whole day, taking screen shots as you completed each lift. Nothing could have made me prouder than seeing the wry smile as you reached each PB. Onwards and upwards. Next time we are watching you in real time at the event!!!